7 Christmas Dinner Ideas Without an Oven, Using Only Stove, Slow Cooker and Air Fryer

As the holiday season approaches, I often find myself pondering festive dinner options that don’t involve the oven. It’s not uncommon to face a crowded kitchen, and I’ve discovered that a stovetop, slow cooker, and air fryer can do wonders. I’ve compiled a list of seven delightful ideas that bring warmth and flavor to any holiday gathering. Let’s explore these options and elevate your Christmas dinner without the hassle of baking.

Creamy Stovetop Mushroom Risotto

Creamy Stovetop Mushroom Risotto is a rich and comforting dish that can be made entirely on the stovetop, making it a perfect addition to your Christmas dinner menu. This dish features arborio rice, which is cooked slowly in broth, absorbing the flavors and releasing its starches to create a creamy texture. The addition of sautéed mushrooms adds depth and umami, while the cheese gives it a delightful richness.

Ingredients

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth: In a saucepan, heat the vegetable or chicken broth over medium heat. Keep it warm but not boiling, as you’ll be adding it to the rice gradually.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or sauté pan, add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are soft and have released their moisture. Season with a little salt and black pepper.
4. Add the Arborio Rice: Stir in the arborio rice, ensuring that each grain is coated with the oil and butter. Toast the rice for about 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until it becomes slightly translucent around the edges.
5. Gradually Add the Broth: Begin adding the warm broth, one ladleful at a time, to the rice mixture. Stir frequently and allow the rice to absorb most of the liquid before adding the next ladle of broth. This process should take about 18-20 minutes. Keep the heat at medium to maintain a gentle simmer.
6. Check for Doneness: After 18 minutes, taste the rice. It should be creamy and cooked al dente. You may need to add a bit more broth if the rice is too firm.
7. Finish the Risotto: Once the rice is cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed.
8. Serve: Garnish your creamy mushroom risotto with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your deliciously creamy risotto as a lovely centerpiece for your oven-free Christmas dinner!

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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Ham

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Ham is a fantastic way to prepare a festive centerpiece for your Christmas dinner without the need for an oven. This dish combines the savory and sweet flavors of honey, garlic, and soy sauce, which create a delectable glaze that enhances the flavor of the ham while keeping it moist and tender.

Ingredients

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Ham: Place the fully cooked ham in the slow cooker, cut-side down. If your ham has a thick layer of fat, you can score it in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate the meat.
2. Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). This mixture will serve as the glaze that enhances the flavor of the ham.
3. Coat the Ham: Pour the glaze over the ham, using a brush or spoon to ensure it is evenly coated on all sides. Make sure to get the glaze into the scored areas, so the flavor penetrates the meat.
4. Slow Cook the Ham: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook the ham on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140°F (60°C), and the glaze should be bubbly.
5. Baste the Ham: About halfway through the cooking time, carefully spoon the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker over the ham to keep it moist and flavorful.
6. Finish and Serve: Once the ham is heated through, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the slow cooker over the sliced ham and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful and vibrant dish that makes for an excellent addition to your Christmas dinner. These peppers are filled with a savory mixture of rice, cheese, and your choice of protein or veggies, making them versatile and satisfying. The air fryer cooks them to perfection, giving a deliciously tender yet slightly crispy texture.

Ingredients

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Wash the bell peppers and slice the tops off. Remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. This will create a hollow space to fill with the stuffing.
2. Cook the Meat: If using ground meat, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft. Then, add the ground meat, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, the sautéed meat mixture (if using), shredded cheese, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Stuff the Peppers: Take the prepared bell peppers and fill them generously with the rice and meat mixture. Press down lightly to pack the filling in.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
6. Cook the Peppers: Carefully place the stuffed bell peppers in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Air fry for about 12-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. The cheese on top should also be melted and slightly bubbly.
7. Serve: Once cooked, remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy these delicious, colorful stuffed peppers as a festive addition to your Christmas dinner!

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Stovetop Mac and Cheese With Brussels Sprouts

Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Brussels Sprouts is a comforting and creamy dish that transforms classic macaroni and cheese into a festive meal by adding tender Brussels sprouts. This simple stovetop recipe is perfect for a holiday gathering, offering a delicious combination of cheesy goodness and healthy greens, all without the need for an oven.

Ingredients

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. When the pasta is done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: In the same pot, add the halved Brussels sprouts and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still bright green. Drain the Brussels sprouts and set aside with the macaroni.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, whisking continually for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Cheese: Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese to the milk mixture. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and incorporated. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni and Brussels sprouts to the cheese sauce. Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Gently stir until everything is well combined and coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
6. Finish and Serve: Once everything is heated through and well mixed, remove the pot from heat. Serve the stovetop mac and cheese hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy dish as a delightful addition to your Christmas dinner!

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Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender beef, rich creamy sauce, and mushrooms to create a flavorful meal that’s perfect for a holiday dinner without the hassle of using an oven. This dish simmers gently in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while the beef becomes deliciously tender.

Ingredients

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by cutting the beef stew meat into bite-sized cubes. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms.
2. Layer the Ingredients: In the slow cooker, begin by adding the beef stew meat, followed by the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms.
3. Mix in the Liquids: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Cook in the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Add the Sour Cream: When the beef is fully cooked, turn off the slow cooker and stir in the sour cream until it is well combined. This will create a creamy sauce.
6. Cook the Egg Noodles: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles once cooked.
7. Assemble and Serve: To serve, place a portion of egg noodles on a plate and top with the beef stroganoff mixture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and flavor. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker beef stroganoff!

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Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Green Beans

Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Green Beans are a simple yet flavorful side dish that elevates your holiday dinner without the need for an oven. The air fryer makes these green beans crispy and tender while infusing them with delicious garlic flavor, making them a perfect accompaniment to any festive meal.

Ingredients

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Green Beans: Rinse the fresh green beans under cold water and trim the ends. This helps to ensure they cook evenly and are pleasant to eat.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the trimmed green beans with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. If you like, you can also add lemon zest at this stage for an extra burst of flavor. Toss everything together until the green beans are evenly coated.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the green beans cook evenly and develop a nice, crispy texture.
4. Air Fry the Green Beans: Once preheated, place the seasoned green beans into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space for air circulation. You may need to work in batches if your air fryer is small.
5. Cooking Time: Air fry the green beans for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure they roast evenly. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking; the beans should be tender with crispy edges.
6. Add Cheese (Optional): If you’re using grated Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the green beans during the last 2 minutes of cooking to allow it to melt slightly and create a delicious cheesy topping.
7. Serve: Once done, carefully remove the green beans from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Enjoy these Roasted Garlic Green Beans as a delightful side to your Christmas dinner!

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Stovetop Spiced Apple Cider

Stovetop Spiced Apple Cider is a warm and inviting beverage that captures the essence of the holiday season. Infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, this comforting drink is perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying by the fire. It’s a simple stovetop recipe that fills your home with delightful fragrances while providing a delicious and festive beverage for your Christmas dinner.

Ingredients

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, pour in the fresh apple cider. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and whole nutmeg. If you prefer a sweeter taste, stir in the brown sugar according to your preference.
2. Add Citrus: Slice the orange and lemon, and add the citrus slices to the pot. The citrus will not only impart a lovely flavor but will also enhance the overall aroma of the apple cider.
3. Heat the Cider: Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Warm the cider slowly to allow the spices to infuse their flavors.
4. Simmer: Once the cider begins to steam and small bubbles form on the surface, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes. This simmering time enhances the flavors, making the cider delightful.
5. Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the cider. If you would like it sweeter, feel free to add more brown sugar, stirring well to dissolve any added sugar.
6. Strain the Spices: Once the cider has reached your desired taste, remove it from the heat. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and citrus slices, ensuring a smooth drink.
7. Serve: Ladle the warm spiced apple cider into mugs, and if desired, garnish with a cinnamon stick or an additional slice of orange for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy the warmth and festive flavors as you savor your holiday gathering!